Dear friends and neighbors,

My colleague Senator Wendy DeBoer has been in contact with the Food Bank for the Heartland to determine what their needs are during this pandemic crisis. The President for Food Bank of the Heartland lives in her neighborhood and expressed concerns about how the distribution lines might be interrupted for the food banks (in more rural areas especially) as this virus moves across our state.

He also mentioned that money is more helpful than food donations at this time for two reasons. First, the Food Bank can buy at cheaper prices than consumers, and second, because it cuts down on transportation and distribution logistics. Based on the challenges he expressed, Senator DeBoer and many others, me included, are concerned that we may get to a place where folks in Nebraska do not have enough to eat.

Below, I am sharing information put together between the Food Bank of the Heartland and Senator DeBoer’s staff. The short version is: The Food Bank needs monetary donations. You can click on the button below to give directly today.

You can always contact us at mhunt@leg.ne.gov if you have any questions or concerns. E-mail is the best way to get in touch.

Many thanks,
Meg

Donate to the Food Bank for the Heartland

What is Food Bank for the Heartland?

Food Bank for the Heartland is on the front line of addressing food insecurity issues during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Food Bank distributes food to 77 Nebraska counties and 16 neighboring Iowa counties through partnerships with a network of food pantries, meal providers, emergency shelters, and schools. The Food Bank of the Heartland – Lincoln serves 16 counties in southeast Nebraska. The Food Bank works with over 600 partners to distribute food and will be hosting mobile drive up food pantries at local food banks throughout the state during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Food Bank for the Heartland distributed 23 million meals in 2019. For every one meal that the food bank provides, SNAP provides 12 meals. As a result, the food bank works in partnership with programs like SNAP to adequately serve those facing food insecurity.

Normally, the Food Bank receives 70% its food supply through donations from retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers, and purchases the other 30%.

How does COVID-19 present challenges to the Food Bank?

The COVID-19 outbreak presents new challenges for Food Bank for the Heartland. First, the Food Bank anticipates an increased need for food throughout the state. As schools close, many students who received free and reduced lunches at school may now turn to organizations like the Food Bank. Statewide, 45% of students are eligible for free and reduced lunch. Many individuals are also facing unemployment as a result of COVID-19 or are hourly employees who have experienced a significant loss of income due to closures. These individuals may also turn to the Food Bank for food throughout the outbreak.

In addition to increased demand, COVID-19 has also resulted in decreased supplies for the food bank. While 70% of the food is usually donated with the remaining 30% purchased by the food bank, these numbers have flipped in recent weeks. Shoppers stocking up on food from retailers has put increased demands on the supply chain. This has resulted in less overstock and therefore fewer donations to the Food Bank. The increased demand for food has also led to delays in getting food purchased by the food bank to its facility. The Food Bank has already made a $200,000 emergency purchase of food and anticipates that similar purchases may be needed in the coming weeks.

Finally, COVID-19 may create distribution challenges. While the Food Bank is only holding drive up pantries, some local staging areas have closed their doors. Many food pantries across Nebraska are run by seniors who are not safely able to volunteer during the outbreak. As more of these pantries close, the food bank will lose vital distribution points across the state. The food bank has also reduced its volunteer numbers in half to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

The most effective way to assist Food Bank for the Heartland and provide food security for those in need during the outbreak is through monetary donations. While food donations through community drives are appreciated, they can only provide a fraction of the food needed. Food Bank for the Heartland can purchase food at a lower per unit cost by purchasing in bulk or at cost.